Riyadh Season 2024: A Grand Spectacle with New Zones and Events

Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA), led by Chairman Turki Al-Sheikh, has unveiled the details for the highly anticipated Riyadh Season 2024. Scheduled to begin on October 12, this year’s event promises to be the most diverse and expansive yet, featuring a stunning lineup of entertainment options, new attractions, and cultural experiences.

An Expansive and Diverse Lineup

Riyadh Season 2024 will span over 7.2 million square meters, offering 14 themed entertainment zones, 11 world championships, and 10 exhibitions and festivals. The GEA has signed 4,200 contracts involving 2,100 companies, with an impressive 95% of these companies being local, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting local businesses.

New Zones and Attractions

1. Via Riyadh: This area will host luxury attractions, including the development of high-end cinema halls and new dining options like Prangak Restaurant and By Sofa Coffee. By summer 2025, the area will be fully air-conditioned. The famous “Ana Arabia” brand will also be featured, adding to the luxury and elegance of the zone. A major highlight is the Christian Dior Exhibition and Museum, featuring a Dior Café and a gift shop displaying 500 dresses, both vintage and new, in the historic Al-Murabba district.

2. Kingdom Arena: Expanded by 40% to accommodate over 27,000 spectators, this venue will host four major world championships, including the “IV Crown Showdown,” a light heavyweight world title boxing match between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. The arena will also host the 2024 African Super Cup and include performances by global superstars.

3. Boulevard World: This popular zone will see further expansion, adding five new zones representing Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran, Africa, and Courchevel, bringing the total to 19 zones. The area will feature 300 restaurants and cafes, over 1,400 shops, and introduce 21 new activities.

4. Boulevard City: Known for its vibrant atmosphere, Boulevard City will offer a 70% increase in activities, with more than 40 new experiences, 25 restaurants and cafes, and 12 plays and musical concerts. Highlights include a stand-up comedy night with Martin Lawrence, a “Detective Conan” experience, and events for “PUBG Mobile” and “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2.” A dinosaur exhibition, “Olulu,” featuring a 20-meter-tall dinosaur, will also be featured.

5. The Groves: Reintroduced in the Al Rafiah neighborhood, this area will offer new lounges and a theater overlooking a scenic lake, providing a serene environment for visitors.

6. Dunes of Arabia: Tailored for desert enthusiasts, this zone will offer activities like sandboarding, desert buggies, archery, camel riding, and exploring sand dunes, making it a perfect winter attraction.

Special Events and Entertainment

WWE Crown Jewel & RAW: This event will take place over two days, featuring a stellar lineup of wrestlers and adding to Riyadh Season’s global appeal.

Dog Festival: Returning after its success last year, the festival will host five championships, including dog agility and beauty contests, accommodating 5,000 people and 350 dogs.

Riyadh Zoo: Offering a free family-friendly experience, Riyadh Zoo will combine entertainment and education with live shows and interactive experiences, expanding its capacity to 12,000 visitors.

Cultural and Social Initiatives

Swaidi Park: In collaboration with the Ministry of Media, Swaidi Park will showcase the cultures of nine countries, including Yemen, Sudan, and Egypt, through concerts and cultural displays over 45 days.

Souq Al-Awwalin: Reflecting Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage, this market will feature traditional crafts, performances, and clothing, appealing to both local and international visitors.

Social Responsibility Initiatives

Riyadh Season will host special days for the children of martyrs and orphans, allowing them free access to attractions at Boulevard World and Wonder Garden. These initiatives are part of Riyadh Season’s commitment to giving back to the community and providing memorable experiences for all.

Riyadh Season 2024 is set to be a landmark event, blending tradition with innovation, and offering a wide array of entertainment options for all ages. From luxurious fashion exhibitions and interactive gaming zones to thrilling sports events and cultural showcases, Riyadh Season promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for visitors from around the world.